The Rillito River Park Trail is one of the signature running spots in Tucson. A linear park follows the Rillito River for nearly 12 miles between Craycroft Rd. and I-10. The trail runs along both banks of the river, though there are a couple of gaps on the south bank. Located in the foothills 7 miles north of downtown, the path joins three parks and also goes by the Tucson Mall at around the mid-point. The path on the north bank is paved and dedicated to foot traffic, rollerbladers, and cyclists. The south bank is has some unpaved sections. Numerous bridges along the way allow crossing from the north to southern bank. While there isn’t much of a ‘river’ to see most of the year, there are also lots of flowers and cacti that line the trail. The trail map below has good information on access points, parking, & restrooms.
We’ve mapped the full, nearly 24-mile loop incorporating both banks. Note that for the loop, there are a couple of spots where one must cross over due to trail gaps on the south bank. We’ve also mapped a 6-mile loop on the trail’s western section.
The Rillito River Park Trail is one of the signature running spots in Tucson. A linear park follows the Rillito River for nearly 12 miles between Craycroft Rd. and I-10. The trail runs along both banks of the river, though there are a couple of gaps on the south bank. Located in the foothills 7 miles north of downtown, the path joins three parks and also goes by the Tucson Mall at around the mid-point. The path on the north bank is paved and dedicated to foot traffic, rollerbladers, and cyclists. The south bank is has some unpaved sections. Numerous bridges along the way allow crossing from the north to southern bank. While there isn’t much of a ‘river’ to see most of the year, there are also lots of flowers and cacti that line the trail. The trail map below has good information on access points, parking, & restrooms.
We’ve mapped the full, nearly 24-mile loop incorporating both banks. Note that for the loop, there are a couple of spots where one must cross over due to trail gaps on the south bank. We’ve also mapped a 6-mile loop on the trail’s western section.
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Essentials
Nearly 12 miles one-way. Good options for loops
Headed west, it's gradual down for the first half and gradual up for the second hald
Access at any point. Western end is near I-10, eastern end is Craycroft Rd.
Good opportunity for a long distance off-road run near downtown. Paved multi-use path extend for nearly 14 miles along both banks of the (mainly dry) Santa Cruz River. Gradual downhill headed north, uphill headed south.
A 3.2 mile tour of the main University of Arizona campus. Some of the campus highlights and surrounding roads. Can be added with nearby downtown roads.
Centrally located park downtown, with popular running loops on paved paths, an 800 meter dirt track, lit at night, and even a drop-in running group that's been around for 20 years.
This route won't win any awards for beauty, but is a good off-road option near downtown. Paved multi-use trail runs for up to 7 miles southeast from downtown, following Barraza-Aviation Parkway & Golf Links Rd.
Popular national park near Tucson featuring the largest cacti in the United States, mountains, and stunning desert scenery. This post is focused on the best trail running options in 'Park East', in the Rincon Mountains. See also 'Park West' guide.
The 'Park West' section of Saguaro NP, 17 miles west of Tucson. 40 miles of scenic trail running in desert scrub, desert grassland, mountains, & canyons. We recommend some of the easier roads & trails for running. See also 'Park East'.
A 'thing to do' for runners in Tucson! Run/walk up Sentinel Peak (3.2 miles out & back, 500 foot gain) for great views. Adjacent Tumamoc Hill is also a 3.2 mile out & back, but a 730 foot gain. Both roads have good shoulders.
A section of the Coronado National Forest. Run on a 3.8 mile paved trail, passing through a narrow valley with a wadable stream, cacti, flowers and boulders -- and climbing 1,000 feet! Additional, more rugged trail options.
A trail running location and a great opportunity to experience Sonoran Desert terrain near downtown. 14 miles of trails over 894 acres, ranging from easier to more challenging.
There are wonderful, open trails in Tucson Mountain Park, a ten minute drive east of Tucson. Numerous options here --many of them more modest for trail running, including the 4.7 mile Starr Pass Trail Loop. Great views, and especially lovely at sunrise & sunset.
Wonderful state park 17 miles north of Tuscon with extensive trail system through mesquite forests and saguaro-studded canyons, and fantastic views of the Catalina Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging.
Beautiful running opportunity in the Sonoran Desert, located 40 minutes from Tuscon. Trail running ranging from easy to challenging. Great views of desert scenery, Picacho Peak, and famous for wildflowers in season.
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Essentials
Nearly 12 miles one-way. Good options for loops
Headed west, it's gradual down for the first half and gradual up for the second hald
Access at any point. Western end is near I-10, eastern end is Craycroft Rd.
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